The world is witnessing with astonishment a series of popular rebellions: France, Nicaragua, Ecuador, Chile, Hong Kong, Iraq, Lebanon, Bolivia, and Haiti have seen multitudinous protests, each with its particular origin, that have provoked diverse responses.
Pelican, Matanzas, Cuba. By John M Dalebozik (Canada). Camera: Canon T61
The athlete took a picture of himself with the Nicaraguan flag, as a form of protest in the ring and received the nickname of “vandalic boxer”.
Myths and stereotypes have been passed down from generation to generation ever since the early 19th century and, even though they take the latest guise, discrimination against black and mixed-race people in today’s Cuba continues to be perpetuated.
Boats, Matanzas, Cuba. By Cheril LeBlanc (Nova Scotia, Canada). Camera: Nikon D3400
If this change is achieved, what comes immediately, is a titanic task: to get out of the chaos, to straighten such a twisted country, to fight corruption that takes refuge in every corner, to shape the conditions required to be able to make our way towards the future, and above all, avoid being diverted towards another frustration.
While some experts have made statements and there is information about the possibility of giant African snails being edible, Cuban academics have recommended that the population not consume this dangerous mollusc because of the risk of becoming infected with other diseases.
A tongue-in-cheek reference to the “powders” in Afro-Cuban religion and their effects kicked off the show “Three sad topics”, the latest episode from El Enjambre, a space where people discuss what is being said about Cuba on Twitter, but without losing this “relaxed” attitude that defines us good Cubans.
“I don’t see any contradiction between Christianity and love for one’s country,” states Monsignor Alvarez, in reference to members of his congregation who manifest their demands for freedom and justice, under the auspices of church celebrations and the religious processions.
If you sow segregations, you will reap more rebellions. There is no doubt that many red and black will turn blue and white.